"Quick Fix" and Other Things You Should Never Say to Someone Using GLP-1s
- Jennifer Hardy
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
I am lucky. My support system never refers to my progress with Zepbound, a GLP-1 agonist, as a "quick fix" for weight loss. They've seen me struggle for years. Not everyone is quite as blessed.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound offered real help to people who’ve struggled with weight loss for years—not because they lacked willpower or discipline, but because they were battling a complex, chronic disease.
And yet, despite the science, support, and proven outcomes, people taking these medications still face skepticism, judgment, and flat-out rudeness. If someone you know is on a GLP-1, it’s time to think twice about what you say. This isn’t just about being polite—it’s about showing respect for someone’s medical journey.
Here’s what not to say and why your words matter more than you might think.
“It’s just a quick fix.”
This is one of the most casually harmful phrases people toss around about GLP-1s. A quick fix implies a lazy shortcut, something superficial and temporary. But GLP-1 medications aren’t that—they’re long-term treatments for chronic metabolic conditions.
They require time, consistency, medical monitoring, and often a complete shift in how a person eats, moves, and manages their health. Calling it a quick fix minimizes the effort involved and ignores the underlying biology these drugs are helping to correct. It’s not a Band-Aid—it’s a tool.
“Weight loss is simple—just eat less than you burn!”
This phrase has done more harm than most people realize. Sure, calorie balance matters—but it’s not the full picture. Appetite, hormones, insulin resistance, medications, and genetics all play major roles in how the body gains or loses weight.
Plus, by the time women get to perimenopause, they're burning up to 300 fewer calories a day, even if they keep doing the same thing they did for years!
For many people, “just eat less” is like telling someone with asthma to “just breathe more deeply.” GLP-1s work by targeting those complex systems—not replacing effort, but helping people finally see results from it.
Dismissing their progress with a slogan ignores the reality of what they’re actually working through.
“That’s the easy way out.”
Let’s stop here. GLP-1s are not “easy.” They come with side effects—nausea, fatigue, constipation, intense appetite changes—not to mention the emotional toll of adjusting to a different relationship with food. They require discipline, medical supervision, regular check-ins, and lifestyle changes.
Using a medically-approved treatment for a chronic health condition isn’t a shortcut. It’s a smart, informed choice. You wouldn't tell someone with high blood pressure to “just relax" or someone with insomnia to "count sheep” instead of taking medication. So don’t do it here.
“Are you really going to stay on that forever?”
Possibly—because obesity, like diabetes, is a chronic condition for many people. GLP-1s help manage it long-term. Some people will taper down. Others may stay on a maintenance dose. That’s not your call.
This question also implies shame—as if staying on the medication reflects failure. In reality, it demonstrates a commitment to health and the understanding that, for some people, this medication is what works.
“Why didn’t you just try _____ first?”
This one really burns my (shrinking) belly. Sure, I could stay super fit when I worked out three hours a day, in addition to a 10-hour workday, with no social life and barely enough sleep to get up and do it all over again.
Most people don't turn to GLP-1 agonists as a first option. They've tried just about everything—diet, exercise, therapy, programs, apps, meal plans, and mindset shifts. Many insurers won’t even cover these drugs without months of documented attempts at traditional weight loss methods.
If they’ve landed here, it’s not from lack of effort. It’s because their biology didn’t respond to those methods long-term—and now they’ve found something that works.
"You must be so happy you're losing weight on that medicine!"
On the surface, this sounds like a compliment—but it assumes the only reason someone is on a GLP-1 is weight loss and that weight loss is automatically the goal. That’s not always true.
People take GLP-1s for all kinds of health reasons: type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS, heart disease risk, or simply to feel more in control of their hunger cues. Also, tying someone’s happiness to their weight can feel dismissive, even if it’s well-meaning.
A better approach? Try: “How are you feeling?” or “I hope it’s helping in the ways you need it to.” That leaves space for the actual experience—not assumptions.
"All you do is talk about your Ozempic/Zepbound experience!"
It might feel that way, but here’s the thing: when someone starts a GLP-1, they’re often learning more about their body, metabolism, nutrition, and mental health than they ever have before.
For many, it’s the first time their appetite makes sense, or their blood sugar is stable, or their body is responding in a way that feels hopeful—not defeating. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head all day? That's what "food noise" is like for some people, only it never stops due to hormone dysregulation.
Food noise can affect anyone, but it’s especially common among people dealing with:
Obesity or insulin resistance, where hunger signals are out of sync with energy needs
Binge eating or disordered eating patterns, where food becomes tied to stress, shame, or emotional regulation
People with a long history of dieting, who’ve been taught to track, restrict, and overthink every bite
Those with hormonal imbalances, like PCOS or type 2 diabetes, which can intensify cravings and disrupt hunger cues
It’s not just about the medication or self-obsession—it’s about understanding how their body actually works after years of confusion or frustration. That kind of insight is worth talking about. And for some, it’s empowering, emotional, even life-changing.
At the same time, you're completely welcome to put a stop to TMI about side effects related to the bathroom.
What can you say?
If someone opens up about being on a GLP-1, they’re trusting you. You don’t have to pretend to be an expert. You just have to listen and respond with respect. Try:
“Thanks for sharing that—I know it’s not always easy to talk about.”
“I’m glad you’ve found something that’s working for you.”
“Let me know how I can support you.”
Simple, kind, and free of judgment. When in doubt, say nothing. Just listen.
GLP-1 Coaching Help Is Now Available at Legg Day Fitness
Due to increased demand, we've added GLP-1 coaching for nutrition, mental wellness, and side effect treatment. Since GLP-1 agonists require a specific type of lifestyle, they can cater to your food preferences and make a realistic plan to crush your goals. Get started today with a simple form, and Ashley will get back to you within a few days.
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